And they’re off! Iraqi Kurdistan holds its first cash-betting horse race

February 2018

Professional horse racing is a relatively new sport in Iraq, but it’s been gaining popularity since a horse club in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, began organising regular racing events in 2017. Established in December 2014 and the first of its kind in Iraq, the Erbil International Equestrian Club has been hosting horse races at its international standard racetrack since March 2017. While spectators previously placed bets to win prizes like phones and refrigerators, on December 1, 2017, the club marked a milestone by holding the region’s first professional racing event where participants could win cash prizes.

Currently, the club hosts two races each month, alongside other equestrian events, including show-jumping competitions. Managers are optimistic about the sport’s growing appeal. “This is the first race on a professional track with cash betting,” explained Godar Ibrahim, the club’s former Finance Manager. “There have been races in the countryside before, but not officially. It’s a source of pride for Kurdistan to have a professional venue like this. The club doesn’t generate a lot of income, so we see this as an opportunity to grow financially. Many people here are passionate about horses and are excited to potentially profit from the races.”

At the December 1st event, the highest bet placed was $100. “He didn’t win in the betting, but he did win a heater in the lottery,” Ibrahim noted with a smile.

However, the September 2017 referendum on Kurdish independence significantly impacted the club’s operations. “Some races had to be canceled because we weren’t sure whether jockeys and horses could travel to the club,” said Ibrahim. Securing horse feed, sourced from Baghdad, also became a challenge due to disrupted supply chains.

The races feature a mix of Arabian horses and thoroughbreds. While some are owned by the club, many are privately owned and brought from across Iraq to compete.

With its growing audience and increased interest in professional racing, the Erbil International Equestrian Club hopes to cement its reputation as a premier destination for horse racing enthusiasts in the region.